The best way to experience the Chavón River is on a river cruise down the river. Most tours combine a Chavón River cruise with one or more activities, such as a visit to Altos de Chavón and Catalina Island, or the countryside around Bayahibe and Higuey. More adventurous tours combine the Chavón River with an ATV or dune buggy ride through the countryside or an eco-adventure through the trails and caves of the National Park of the East (Parque Nacional de Este).
The river cruise is suitable for most travelers, including families.
Altos de Chavón offers some of the best views of the river.
Not all tours include a river cruise; be sure to check the details to avoid disappointment.
Some riverboat tours offer food and drinks during the cruise.
The Chavón River starts from the Cordillera Oriental mountains, winding 39 miles (63 kilometers) before emptying into the Caribbean next to the Casa de Campo Resort. Boat cruises depart from different parts of the river. Most tours to the river include round-trip transfers, including from La Romana, Bayahibe, Punta Cana, and several cruise ports.
The best time to visit the Chavón River for the most pleasant weather is between December and April. This is also the most popular time to visit the Dominican Republic, so expect larger crowds then. Time your visit during the week if possible. Hurricane season runs from June to October.
Located on a plateau above the Chavón River, Altos de Chavón is a replica of a 16th-century European Village, complete with cobblestone streets. Built in 1976, highlights of the village include an archeological museum, numerous craft workshops, galleries, and art studios, a highly regarded school of design, and the Stanislaus Church.